The signs of a depressive relapse are varied, numerous, and can manifest in many different ways. In general, the typical aspects of this disorder are:

• Deflated mood (deep sadness)
• Loss of interest in normal daily activities (apathy).
• Difficulties in cognitive functions: for example, lack of attention and memory.
• Rumination (rehashing the same thought), that is, the tendency to continually think about one's own symptoms, one's own condition, and negative thoughts about one's own future.
• Reduction of daily activities.
• Loss of pleasure from doing anything (anhedonia).
• Feeling of chronic fatigue.
• Reduction of social contacts.
• Sleep-wake rhythm disturbances, increase or decrease in nighttime sleep.
• Changes in eating habits (with increased or decreased appetite).
• Decreased sexual desire and other problems related to the sexual sphere.
• It can also manifest itself at a somatic level: chronic fatigue, generalized pain, gastrointestinal problems.

The progressive and constant reduction in daily activities leads to both perceived ("I am no longer able to do my things") and actual incapacity. Other typical behavioral aspects of relapse may include neglect of personal hygiene and physical appearance.

In some cases of very deep depression, a general slowing of the person's motor skills (psychomotor slowing) can be observed.